Dilapidated animal shelter improving under new management

DEKALB COUNTY - Lifeline Animal Project is taking big strides towards turning around a DeKalb County animal shelter that activists recently described as a house of horrors, but there is still work to be done.

The shelter was previously known roach infestation, poor ventilation and a lack of staffing.

Lifelife Animal Project began controlling day-to-day operations on July 1 and made big improvements over the last three weeks.

"We knew there was going to be a lot of challenges," said Karen Hirsch Lifeline Animal Project's communication director.

Lifeline's management hired a completely new staff. It also created intake and drop off programs that include counseling for pet owners. It eliminated group feedings and animals are now served single portions. Finally, it increased hours increased to allow for more visitations during evenings and on weekends.

"Eventually we hope the shelter will turn into an adoptable shelter that people will come into," said Hirsch.